September 12, 2013, 13:37
Mike HodgeOld Military? WW. Comments Please
This maybe should have gone to the Military Forum but just to get it going. A Swiss WW that has some Radium? Burn in the old crystal. It is in a Swiss Sterling Silver case. It does run but I have no idea if it is unusual, rare, or junk.
September 12, 2013, 13:38
Mike HodgeBack of case
September 12, 2013, 13:39
Mike HodgeMovement and markings
September 13, 2013, 00:03
Peter KaszubskiI would not call this one junk in silver case
looks good Mike.
September 13, 2013, 08:43
Gerald ZimmermannMike
A nice early wristwatch from the late 20's. Made by Avia Watch Co (Chaux de Fonds, since 1910) intented to the anglo-american customer. The swiss silver export mark (standing bear) was used pre 33.
As Peter said monometallic cases of all kind are fine to refinish. Cleaning, relume and a new strap would make a fine watch.
Please tell the diameter of the movement.
Regards
Gerald
September 13, 2013, 09:09
Mike HodgeGerald, thanks for the info. It is 29 mm in diameter and it does run but of course it needs oiling at the minimum.
September 13, 2013, 17:34
Ray HallenbeckI think the initials are for the Central Labor Council, Helena Montana...an affiliate of the AFL/CIO
September 13, 2013, 19:08
Mike HodgeThanks Ray, that does make sense.
September 13, 2013, 20:47
Jim HesterBe careful of the radium paint. The zinc sulfide is fully burned, but the radium in it is still almost as powerful as the day it was made. The half-life of radium is 1,600 years.
September 13, 2013, 22:57
Mike HodgeThanks Jim. That's even older than Phil Sanchez! Warning heeded.
September 14, 2013, 08:11
Phillip SanchezMike, For your information Radium and I are closely related.

September 14, 2013, 10:44
Mike HodgeSorry Phil, I had NO IDEA you read this WW Forum

September 14, 2013, 15:47
Phillip SanchezMike it's a hard job but some one has to do it.

September 14, 2013, 17:11
Gerald ZimmermannSince I try to write english it's even harder

Gerald